Immunoinformatics-Aided Design of a Multiepitope Vaccine Against Eimeria Tenella-Associated Chicken Coccidiosis.

Abstract

Avian coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria protozoa, presents a significant threat to poultry, with Eimeria tenella being particularly harmful due to its impact on the chicken cecum. Growing resistance to current treatments necessitates alternative therapeutic approaches. Consequently, this study employed an immunoinformatics approach to design a multiepitope vaccine targeting E tenella. Key proteins, including the sporulated oocyst TA4 antigen, alkylglycerone-phosphate synthase, and apical membrane antigen-1, were analysed for epitope prediction. Further comprehensive downstream analysis identified 13 MHC class I, 6 MHC class II, and 7 B-cell epitopes, which were linked with suitable linkers. Also, cholera toxin subunit B was incorporated as an adjuvant, creating a 531-amino-acid construct. The vaccine demonstrated favourable predicted antigenicity, non-allergenicity, and stability properties. Molecular docking predicted interaction with toll-like receptor 15, while immune response simulation showed potential induction of various immunocytes, including helper and cytotoxic T-cells, natural killer cells, and immunoglobulins. The vaccine was predicted to promote antigen clearance after the second dose, suggesting strong memory response potential. These findings indicate the designed vaccine could stimulate a potent protective immune response against E tenella infection. However, further in vitro and in vivo validation studies are necessary to confirm the vaccine's efficacy before clinical application in poultry immunization programmes.